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Minnesota United Forward Christian Ramirez Earns NASL Player Of The Week For Week 4

Forward Christian Ramirez continues his electrifying performance in this his first year in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Ramirez currently tops the NASL Golden Boot race with nine goals after notching a pair this past weekend in the victory for Minnesota United FC. His performance in Week 4 earned him the NASL Player of the Week for the second time this year.

“I just want to thank God first of all,” said current NASL top goal scorer this year, Ramirez, “It's an honor to be named Player of the Week. I'm humbled and thankful for my teammates and coaches for continuing to believe in me.

I'm thankful to have been able to do my part this week in helping our team continue to fight to stay in the fight for the Fall season and that's what is most important.”

Ramirez established control of the match early, with a tremendous run and finish in the fourth minute giving United a 1-0 lead. The play began with a long ball down the right side of the pitch to Minnesota defender Kevin Venegas. Venegas powered through to the corner sending Ramirez a perfect pass to the middle of the box. Ramirez positioned an effortless shot past Ottawa goalkeeper Romauld Peiser making the score 1-0.

After Ottawa executed a quick goal in the beginning of the second half, Ramirez took control and stepped up to a penalty kick after Vicentini was pulled down in the Ottawa penalty area. Ramirez placed the ball in the bottom right corner past Peiser, which handed him his 9th goal of the year.

Ramirez is having a stellar rookie year in the NASL finding the net with great regularity in leading The Loons to the Spring Championship. Goal scoring is nothing new to Ramirez who earned the Golden Boot Award at the nationals during his time with the Olympic Development Program (ODP).

United coach Manny Lagos added: “It’s really fun to continue to watch him progress and be successful as the team is successful. He’s so gracious as a player in that he really acknowledges that it’s a team effort in order for us to do well. He is really enjoying the success that the team is having and the individual accolades that go along with it.”

The Santa Ana, Calif. native signed with Minnesota United during 2014 off season. Ramirez finished his college career at Concordia University in Irvine with 44 goals and 18 assists. He spent 2013 with the Charlotte Eagles of USL PRO where he appeared in 26 matches, while tallying 12 goals.